Magnetic memory device

ABSTRACT

A magnetic memory device includes first to n-th MTJ devices recording data and first to n-th transistors connected to the first to n-th MTJ devices, respectively. The word line generates a magnetic field to be applied to the first to n-th MTJ devices during a write operation. A read word line is connected to gates of the first to n-th transistors and applies a voltage for turning on the first to n-th transistors during a read operation. A first word line driver is connected to a first end or a second end of the write word line and drives the write word line. A second word line driver is connected to a first end of the read word line and drives the read word line. A second switching circuit selectively connects the second end of the read word line and the second end of the write word line.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of and claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 USC §120 from U.S. application Ser. No. 10/650,671, filed Aug.29, 2003, and is based upon and claims the benefit of priority under 35USC §119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-143318 filed May 21,2003, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a magnetic memory device, and moreparticularly, to a magnetic memory device having write word lines, whichindicate word lines to be used during a write operation, and read wordlines, which indicate word lines to be used during a read operation.

2. Description of the Related Art

As a magnetic memory device, a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) isknown. In a memory cell of an MRAM, a device having a magnetic tunneljunction (MTJ) is used. An MTJ device is formed of two ferromagneticfilms (one serving as a pinned layer (fixed layer); the other as arecording layer (free layer)) and a single dielectric film (serving as atunnel barrier layer) sandwiched between the two ferromagnetic films.

FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of a typical memory cell (MC) of anMRAM. To write data, current is passed through a write word line (WriteWord Line) WW and crossing a bit line B at right angles, therebyproducing a magnetic field at the intersection between the bit line Band the write word line WW. This magnetic field reverses the directionof magnetization of the recording layer of the MTJ device MTJ. Dependingon the relative orientation (either parallel or nonparallel) of themagnetization of the recording layer with respect to the pinned layer,binary 0 or binary 1 is written.

The data is read by using the tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) effect, aphenomenon in which the electric resistance of the MTJ device MTJchanges with the relative angle between the direction of magnetizationof the ferromagnetic film forming the MTJ device MTJ and the currentdirection. Specifically, first the read word line (Read-Word-Line) RW isdriven to turn on a memory cell transistor TR, so that current flowsfrom the bit line B to a ground GND via the MTJ device MTJ, and then thesignal current is detected by a sense amplifier (not shown) connected tothe bit line B, the resistance mentioned above can be detected.

FIG. 22 is a circuit diagram of the memory cell shown in FIG. 21. FIG.23 is a conventional circuit diagram showing a memory cell arrayincluding memory cells of the type shown in FIG. 22 and the peripheralportion. As shown in FIG. 23, memory cells MC[0,0] to MC[m, n] arearranged at the intersections of a set of write word lines WW[0] toWW[m] and read word lines RW[0] to RW[m], and bit lines B[0] to [n]. Bitline drivers BDU[0] to BDU[n], which are positioned above the memorycell array MCA, and bit line drivers BDL[0] to BDL[n], which arepositioned below the memory cell array MCA, drive bit lines B[0] toB[n], respectively. The two ends of each of corresponding write wordlines WW[0] to WW[n] are connected to the corresponding write word linedrivers WWD[0] to WWD[n] and current sinkers WS[0] to WS[n],respectively. During a write operation, a write current flows byactivating one of the pairs of the write word line driver WWD[i] and thecurrent sing circuit WS[i], where i=0, 1, . . . , n.

A large current is supplied to the write word lines WW (WW[0] to [m]) togenerate magnetic fields in the memory cells MC (MC[0,0] to MC[m, n]).Therefore, the write word lines are generally formed of a low-resistancemetal. On the other hand, it is not necessary to supply such a largecurrent to the read word lines RW (RW[0] to RW[m]). For this reason, theread word lines RW are formed of a relatively high-resistance material(e.g., polysilicon), which is usually used in the gate electrode of amemory cell transistor TR.

As described above, a read word line RW has a resistance about 10 to 100times larger than that of a write word line WW. In addition, since theread word line RW is the gate electrode of a memory cell transistor TR,it has a large capacitance. As a result, the product of resistance andcapacitance (RC) of the read word line RW becomes large, which degradesan operation speed. The problem of read-speed reduction becomes severein a large-scale memory cell array (MCA). To avoid this problem, thememory cell array MCA must be limited in size.

To overcome the above problems, a second conventional circuit design isproposed in FIG. 24 in which a single read word line RW and a singlewrite word line WW are shown. As shown in FIG. 24, a word line controlcircuit WCTR is connected to both ends of the write word line WW. Thewrite word line WW and the read word line RW are connected by a shuntST. One end of a memory cell transistor TR is connected to the commonnode CN, which is grounded via a connection transistor S. Since the readword line RW is connected to the write word line WW, the effectiveresistance value of the read word line RW becomes lower than that in thefirst conventional circuit. To prevent the transistor TR from beingturned on by the current flowing through the read word line RW duringthe write operation, the common node CN is isolated from the ground bythe connection transistor S.

However, in the second conventional circuit design, since the read wordline RW and the write word line WW are connected via the shunt ST, thefollowing problems may occur. First, since the shunt ST takes up space,the area occupied by the memory cell array MCA increases. Second, theperiodical layout pattern of the memory cell array MCA breaks by thepresence of the shunt ST. This collapse of the periodicity makessubmicron lithography more difficult.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda magnetic memory device comprising: first to n-th MTJ devices recordingdata; first to n-th transistors connected to the first to n-th MTJdevices, respectively; a write word line which generates a magneticfield to be applied to the first to n-th MTJ devices during a writeoperation; a read word line which is connected to a gate of each of thefirst to n-th transistors and which applies a voltage for turning on thefirst to n-th transistors during a read operation; a first word linedriver which is connected to a first end or a second end of the writeword line and which drives the write word line; a second word linedriver which is connected to a first end of the read word line and whichdrives the read word line; and a second switching circuit whichselectively connects a second end of the read word line and the secondend of the write word line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according to afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according to amodified example of the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according toanother modified example of the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according to asecond embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according to athird embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according toanother example of the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according tostill another example of the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according to afourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according to afifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according toa sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according toa seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according toan eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according toa ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according toa tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according toan eleventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according toa twelfth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according toa thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according toa fourteenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according toa fifteenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according toa sixteenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 a schematic view of a typical memory cell of an MRAM;

FIG. 22 is a circuit diagram of a memory cell;

FIG. 23 is a circuit diagram of a memory cell array including theperipheral portion according to a first conventional example; and

FIG. 24 is a circuit diagram according to a second conventional example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference tothe accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals are used to designatelike structural elements and further explanation will be made ifnecessary.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according tothe first embodiment of the present invention. The memory cells MC[0] toMC[n], bit lines B[0] to B[n], the write word lines WW, and read wordlines RW of a circuit shown in FIG. 1 have the same structure as shownin FIG. 21.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 21, the magnetic memory device according tothe first embodiment will be explained. As shown in FIG. 1, memory cellsMC[0]-MC[k]-MC[n] are arranged at the intersections between bit linesB[0]-B[k]-B[n] and a write word line WW. Each of the memory cells MC[0]to MC[n](hereinafter collectively referred to as a “memory cell MC”unless otherwise specified) is formed of an MTJ device MTJ and a memorycell transistor TR. One end of the MTJ device MTJ is connected to thecorresponding bit line, B[0] to (B[n](hereinafter, collectively referredto as “bit line B”) and the other end of the MTJ device MTJ is connectedto one end of the memory cell transistor TR. The other end of the memorycell transistor TR is connected to the common potential line (e.g.,ground).

As shown in FIG. 21, the write word line WW extends so as to intersectwith the bit line B (typically at right angles). The MTJ device MTJ isarranged at the intersection between the bit line B and the write wordline WW at a distance from the write word line WW. During a writeoperation, current (hereinafter referred to as “write current”) issupplied to the write word line WW to generate a magnetic field. Usingthe magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the writeword line and the magnetic field generated by the current flowingthrough the bit line B, data is written in the MTJ device MTJ.

To the end of write word line WW at the side near the bit lineB[0](hereinafter, the end will be referred to as a “first end of thewrite word line WW”), a write word line driver WWD is connected. On theother hand, to the end at the side near the bit line B[n](hereinafterthe end will be referred to as a “second end of the write word lineWW”), a current sinker WS is connected. During a write operation,current is supplied to the write word line WW by operating the writeword line driver WWD and the sinker WS.

The read word line RW is connected to the gate of the memory transistorTR of each memory cell MC. To the end of the read word line RW at theside near the bit line B[0](hereinafter referred to as “a first end ofthe read word line RW”), a read word line driver RWD is connected. Theread word line driver RWD supplies to the read word line with a voltageto turn on the memory cell transistor TR during a read operation.

A switching circuit SW1 is connected between the first end of the writeword line WW and the first end of the read word line RW. Similarly, aswitching circuit SW2 is connected between the second end of the writeword line WW and the second end of the read word line RW. In otherwords, switching circuits SW1 and SW2 are arranged outside a set of thememory cells consisting of the memory cells MC[0] to MC[n].

Any device may be used as switching circuits SW1 and SW2 as long as itconnects or disconnects both the first ends and the second ends,respectively by the instruction of an electric signal. The turn-on andoff of the switching circuits SW1 and SW2 are controlled by a readenable signal RENBL supplied from a control unit CNT. The switchingcircuits SW1 and SW2 are turned off during a write operation and turnedon during a read operation. The control unit CNT controls the operationsof the write word line driver WWD, current sinker WS, and read word linedriver RWD.

One set of the circuits of the write word line WW, read word line RW,write word line driver WWD, read word line driver RWD, current sinkerWS, switching circuits SW1, SW2, and memory cells MC[0] to MC[n] isarranged repeatedly a plurality of times along the bit line B. The samestructural feature may be applied to the second embodiment onward.

FIG. 1 shows a memory cell array including memory cells MC[0] to MC[n]and the switching circuits SW1 and SW2 respectively arranged outside ofthe array. However, the arrangement of the circuit is not limited tothis. This embodiment may be applied to the case where a plurality ofmemory cell arrays are arranged along the write word line WW (or theread word line RW). In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, theswitching circuit SW2 may accompany every memory cell array MCA[0],MCA[1] . . . MCA[n] each including memory cells MC[0] to MC[n].Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, switching circuits SW1 and SW2 arearranged respectively outside of a set of memory cell arrays MCA[0]MCA[1] . . . MCA[n] at both sides. In other words, the switchingcircuits SW1 and SW2 may be arranged with respect to every unit composedof the write word line WW and the read word line RW. In this case, a rowof memory cell constituted by memory cells MC[0] to MC[n] is arrangedrepeatedly a plurality of times to form a plurality of memory cellarrays MCA[0] to MCA[n]. The same structural feature of the memory cellsMC[0] to MC[n] and the memory cell arrays MCA[0] to MCA[n] will beapplied to the second embodiment onward.

Furthermore, both the write word line driver WWD and the read word linedriver RWD may be operated during a read operation.

According to the magnetic memory device of the first embodiment, thewrite word line WW and the read word line RW are connected by theswitching circuits SW1 and SW2 arranged outside of memory cells MC[0] toMC[n] at both sides. The read word line RW (high resistance) isconnected to the write word line WW (low resistance) by turning on theswitching units SW1 and SW2 during a read operation. As a result, theresistance of the read word line RW substantially decreases since itequals to the combined resistance of the read word line RW plus thewrite word line WW. Therefore, the read operation speed can beincreased.

On the other hand, the switching circuits SW1 and SW2 are turned offduring a write operation. Write current flows only through thelow-resistance word line WW but does not flow through the read word lineRW. Therefore, the write operation is performed at as high a speed asconventional. When the write word line driver WWD is not turned onduring a read operation, the write current is not supplied to the readword line RW, so that the read word line RW can be prevented from beingdamaged by the write current. The memory cell transistor TR is notturned on during the write operation, either.

The switching circuits SW1 and SW2 are arranged outside the array of thememory cells MC[0] to [n] and therefore need not be arranged between thememory cells MC[0] to [n], unlike the second conventional circuitdesign. Therefore, the periodical layout pattern of the memory cellarray is not disturbed. In addition, since the space for the shunt ST isnot required, it is possible to prevent the area occupied by the memorycell array from increasing. As a result, the degree of integrationincreases.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

The circuit arrangement according to the second embodiment issubstantially the same as in the first embodiment except that switchingcircuit SW1 is not present.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according tothe second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, thewrite word line WW and the read word line RW are connected only by theswitching circuit SW2.

During a write operation, the switching circuit SW2 is turned off. Thewrite word line driver WWD starts up the driving write word line WW.During a read operation, the write word line driver WWD and the readword line driver RWD are driven while turning on the switching circuitSW2. The memory cell transistors TR of memory cells MC[n], MC[n-1] inthe neighborhood of the switching circuit SW2 are turned on by thevoltage supplied from the low resistance write word line WW via theswitching circuit SW2.

According to the magnetic memory device of the second embodiment, theswitching circuit SW2 is arranged between the read word line RW and thewrite word line WW at the opposite end (second end) to the one at whichthe read word line driver RWD is placed, with memory cells MC[0] toMC[n] interposed between them. Therefore, during a read operation, thememory cell transistors TR in the neighborhood of the switching circuitSW2 are turned on by the voltage supplied from the write word line WW.In other words, the current path to the gates of the neighboring memorycell transistors TRs of the switching circuit SW2 is constituted by thewrite word line WW. Therefore, the resistance of this passage is lowcompared to the case where the current path is constituted by the readword line RW alone. With this constitution, it is possible to reduce theoverall time required from the start up of the write word line driverWWD and the read word line driver RWD until all memory cell transistorsTRs connected to the common read word line RW are started up. As aresult, the speed of the read operation can be increased.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

The circuit arrangement of the third embodiment is substantially thesame as in the first embodiment except that an MIS (Metal InsulatorSemiconductor) transistor (as is in the third embodiment) is used as theswitching circuit SW1 and SW2. In the description below, an MOS (metaloxide semiconductor) transistor is included in the MIS transistor.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according tothe third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, aP-type MIS transistor TP is arranged in the switching circuits SW1 andSW2 of FIG. 1. In other words, an MIS transistor TP is arranged betweeneach of the first ends and the second ends of the write word line WW andthe read word line RW. An inverted signal of read enable signal RENBL(hereinafter referred to as a “signal /RENBL”) is supplied to the gateof the MIS transistor TP. When the low level signal /RENBL is supplied,the MIP transistor TP is turned on.

Although a p-type MIS transistor is used for the switching circuits SW1and SW2 in FIG. 5, an N-type MIS transistor may be used as shown in FIG.6. The N-type MIS transistor TN is connected in the same manner asP-type MIS transistor. When the high level read enable signal RENBL issupplied, the MIS transistor TN is turned on. The N-type MIS transistorTN is operated as same as the P-type MIS transistor.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the circuit in which a P-type MIStransistor TP and an N-type MIS transistor TN are arranged in parallelis used for the switching circuits SW1 and SW2. In this case, one end ofeach of the MIS transistor TP and TN is connected to the write word lineWW and the other end of each transistor is connected to the read wordline RW. A signal /RENBL is supplied to the gate of the MIS transistorTP, whereas a read enable signal RENBL is supplied to the gate of theMIS transistor TN. When a high level read enable signal RENBL (low levelsignal /RENBL) is supplied, the MIS transistors TP and TN are turned on.The operation of MIS transistor TN is as same as the p-type MIStransistor TP.

According to the magnetic memory device of the third embodiment, thesame effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT

The circuit arrangement of the fourth embodiment is substantially thesame as in the second embodiment except that an MIS transistor is usedas the switching circuit SW2.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according afourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the sametype of MIS transistor TP as used in the third embodiment is arranged inthe switching circuit SW2. More specifically, an MIS transistor TP isarranged between the second ends of the write word line WW and the readword line RW. A signal /RENBL is supplied to the gate of the MIStransistor TP. Similarly to the third embodiment, an N-type MIStransistor TN and N and P type MIS transistors TN and TP arranged inparallel may be used. The operation is as same as the second embodiment.

According to the magnetic memory device of the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention, the same effect as that of the second embodiment canbe obtained.

FIFTH EMBODIMENT

The circuit arrangement of the fifth embodiment is substantially thesame as in the third embodiment. In addition, the switching circuit SW1acts as a read word line driver RWD.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic memory device according tothe fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, theswitching circuit SW1 is constituted by a transistor TP in the same asin the third embodiment and acts as a read word line driver RWD. Whenswitching circuit SW1 is used as the read word line driver RWD, thewrite word line WW acts as a power supply line to the MIS transistor TP.

The switching circuit SW1 (read word line driver RWD) further has aclamping circuit CP for clamping the read word line RW at apredetermined potential. For example, the clamping circuit CP isconstituted by an N-type MIS transistor TN. The both ends of the MIStransistor TN is connected to an end of the read word line RW and acommon potential line, respectively. A signal /RENBL is supplied to thegate of the MIS transistor TN.

During a write operation, a high-level signal /RENBL is supplied, whichturns off the transistor TP and turns on the transistor TN. A writecurrent is supplied through the write word line WW from the write wordline driver WWD to the current sinker WS. On the other hand, a commonpotential is applied to the read word line RW.

During a read operation, a low-level signal /RENBL is supplied, whichturns on the transistor TP and -turns off the transistor TN. As aresult, the read word line RW is driven by a read word line driver RWD.Furthermore, to the memory cell transistor TR in the neighborhood of theswitching circuit SW2, a voltage is supplied by way of the write wordline WW and the switching circuit SW2.

According to the magnetic memory device of the fifth embodiment, thesame effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore,according to the magnetic memory device of the fifth embodiment, theswitching circuit SW1 acts as a read word line driver RWD. Therefore, itis not necessary to provide a read word line driver RWD separately. As aresult, the circuit arrangement of the magnetic memory device can besimplified and reduced in size.

Furthermore, the switching circuit SW1 (read word line driver RWD) has aclamping circuit CP, which clamps the read word line RW at apredetermined potential (common potential) during operations other thanthe read operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent the read wordline RW from being in a floating state.

SIXTH EMBODIMENT

The circuit arrangement of the sixth embodiment is substantially thesame as in the fifth embodiment except that the switching circuit SW2acts as a read word line driver RWD.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of the magnetic memory deviceaccording to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 10, the switching circuit SW2 is constituted by atransistor TP and acts as the read word driver RWD. In the same as inthe fifth embodiment, when the switching circuit SW2 acts as the readword line driver RWD, the write word line WW acts as a power supply lineto the MIS transistor TP.

The switching section SW2 (read word line driver RWD) has a clampcircuit CP for clamping the read word line RW at a predeterminedpotential as is the same as in the fifth embodiment. The clamp circuitCP is, for example, constituted by an N-type MIS transistor TN. The twoends of the MIS transistor TN are connected to one end of the read wordline RW and the common potential line, respectively. To the gate, asignal /RENBL is supplied.

According to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the sameeffect as in the first and fifth embodiments can be obtained.Furthermore, according to the magnetic memory device of the sixthembodiment, the switching circuit SW2 acts as the read word line driverRWD. Therefore, during operation other than the read operation time, theread word line RW can be maintained more accurately at a predeterminedpotential than in the fifth embodiment.

In FIG. 10, the word line driver WD is connected to one end of the writeword line WW and the current sinker WS is connected to the other end.However, the word line driver WD and the current sinker WS may betransposed. This configuration can bring the same effect.

SEVENTH EMBODIMENT

The circuit arrangement of the seventh embodiment is substantially thesame as the first embodiment except that the write word line driver WWDand the current sinker WS are transposed.

FIG. 11 is a schematic circuit arrangement of the magnetic memory deviceaccording to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. As shownin FIG. 11, the write word line driver WWD is connected to the secondend of the write word line WW. The current sinker WS is connected to thefirst end of the write word line WW.

During a write operation, the switching circuits SW1 and SW2 are turnedoff. In this state, current is supplied to the write word line WW by useof the write word line driver WWD and the current sinker WS.

During a read operation, the switching circuits SW1 and SW2 are turnedon. In this state, not only the read word line driver RWD but also thewrite word line driver WWD are operated. To the memory transistor TR inthe neighborhood of the read word line driver RWD, a voltage suppliedfrom the read word line driver RWD is applied. On the other hand, to thememory transistor TR in the neighborhood of the switching circuit SW2, avoltage supplied from the write word line driver RWD is applied.

According to the magnetic memory device according to the seventhembodiment, the write word line WW and the read word line RW areconnected by the switching circuits SW1 and SW2 arranged outside thearray of the memory cells MC[0] to [n]. The write word line driver WWDis connected to the second end of the write word line WW. During a readoperation, the read word line driver RWD and the write word line driverRWD are operated. To the memory cell transistor TR in the vicinity ofthe switching circuit SW2 away from the read word line driver RWD,current is supplied from the write word line driver WWD by way of theswitching circuit SW2. Therefore, the flowing distance of currentthrough the high resistant read word line RW toward the memory celltransistor TR is short, thereby increasing the speed of the readoperation.

EIGHTH EMBODIMENT

The circuit arrangement of the eighth embodiment is substantially thesame as that of the seventh embodiment except that only switchingcircuit SW 2 is provided similarly to the second embodiment. Morespecifically, the circuit arrangement of the eighth embodiment issubstantially the same as the second embodiment except that the writeword line driver WWD and the current sinker WS are transposed.

FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit arrangement of the magnetic memory deviceaccording to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 12, the write word line WW and the read word line RW are connectedonly by the switching circuit SW2.

During a write operation, the switching circuit SW2 is turned off. Inthis state, when the write word line driver WWD is operated, a writecurrent is supplied. During a read operation, the switching circuit SW2is turned on. In this state, when the read word line driver RWD and thewrite word line driver WWD are operated, a gate voltage of the memorycell transistor TR is supplied.

According to the magnetic memory device of the eighth embodiment, thesame effect as in the seventh embodiment can be obtained.

NINTH EMBODIMENT

In the ninth embodiment, an MIS transistor is used in the switchingcircuits SW1 and SW2. More specifically, the circuit arrangement of theninth embodiment is substantially the same as in the third embodimentexcept that the write word line driver WWD and the current sinker WS aretransposed.

FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit arrangement of the magnetic memory deviceaccording to the ninth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13, an MIS transistor TP is arranged at the switchingcircuits SW1 and SW2 in the same manner as in the third embodiment. AnN-type MIS transistor TN, and N-type and P-type MIS transistors TN andTP arranged in parallel may be used similarly to the third embodiment.The operation manner is the same as in the seventh embodiment.

According to the ninth embodiment, the same effect as in the seventhembodiment can be obtained.

TENTH EMBODIMENT

The circuit arrangement of the tenth embodiment is substantially thesame as in the eighth embodiment except that an MIS transistor is usedin the switching circuit SW2. More specifically, the circuit arrangementof the tenth embodiment is substantially the same as in the fourthembodiment except that the write word line driver WWD and the currentsinker WS are transposed.

FIG. 14 is a schematic circuit arrangement of the magnetic memory deviceaccording to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 14, an MIS transistor TP is arranged in the switchingcircuit SW2 of FIG. 12 in the same connection manner as in the fourthembodiment. An N-type MIS transistor TN, and N-type and P-type MIStransistors TN and TP arranged in parallel may be used similarly to thethird embodiment. The operation manner is the same as in the eighthembodiment.

According to the tenth embodiment, the same effect as in the eighthembodiment can be obtained.

ELEVENTH EMBODIMENT

The circuit arrangement of the eleventh embodiment is substantially thesame as that of the ninth embodiment except that the switching circuitSW1 acts as the read word line driver RWD. In other words, the circuitarrangement of the eleventh embodiment is substantially the same as inthe fifth embodiment except that the write word line driver WWD and thecurrent sinker WS are transposed.

FIG. 15 is a schematic circuit arrangement of the magnetic memory deviceaccording to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 15, the switching circuit SW1 is constituted by atransistor TP and acts as the read word line driver RWD, in the same asin the third embodiment. In the same as in the fifth embodiment, theswitching circuit SW1 has a clamp circuit CP (read word line driverRWD). According to the magnetic memory device of the eleventhembodiment, the same effect as in the fifth and ninth embodiments can beobtained.

TWELFTH EMBODIMENT

The circuit arrangement of the twelfth embodiment is substantially thesame as in the first embodiment except that the read word line driverRWD is not used.

FIG. 16 is a schematic circuit arrangement of the magnetic memory deviceaccording to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 16, the read word line driver RWD is not arranged onthe read word line RW. The word line driver WD is connected to one endof the write word line WW and the current sinker WS is connected to theother end. The word line driver WD has an ability to supply (drive)write current to the write word line WW and drives both write word lineWW and the read word line RW.

During a write operation, the switching circuits SW1 and SW2 are turnedoff. In this state, when the word line driver WD and the current sinkerWS are operated, the write word line WW is driven.

On the other hand, during a read operation, the switching circuits SW1and SW2 are turned on and the current sinker WS is turned off. In thisstate, the read word line RW is driven by the word line driver WD.

According to the magnetic memory device of the twelfth embodiment, thewrite word line WW and the read word line RW are connected by theswitching circuits SW 1 and SW2 positioned outside the memory cell MC.Therefore, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

Furthermore, according to the magnetic memory device according to thetwelfth embodiment, both the write word line WW and the read word lineRW are driven by the word line driver WD and the current sinker WS.Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the read word line driver RWD,reducing the layout area for the magnetic memory device.

In FIG. 16, the word line driver WD is connected to one end of the writeword line WW and the current sinker WS is connected to the other end.However, the arrangement of the write word line WW and the currentsinker WS may be transposed. Also in this case, the same effect can beobtained.

THIRTEENTH EMBODIMENT

The circuit arrangement of the thirteenth embodiment is substantiallythe same as in the twelfth embodiment except that two word-line driversare provided.

FIG. 17 is a schematic circuit diagram of the magnetic memory deviceaccording to the thirteenth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 17, word-line drivers WD[0] and WD[1] are connected toone end of the write word line WW.

The word line driver WD[0] has an ability to drive a current(hereinafter referred to as “a current driving ability”) larger than theword line driver WD[1]. For example, when a transistor constitutes anoutput stage of each of the drivers, the relationship may be realized bysetting a gate width of the transistor of the word line driver WD[0]larger than that of the word line driver WD[1].

The current driving ability of the word line driver WD[1] is set upsufficiently large to supply a gate voltage of the memory celltransistor TR to the read word line RW. The current driving ability ofthe word line driver WD[0] is set up large sufficient to supply a writecurrent to the write word line WW, by combining it to the currentdriving ability of the word line driver WD[1].

During a write operation, the switching circuits SW1 and SW2 are turnedoff. In this state, when the word line drivers WD[0] and WD[1] and thecurrent sinker WS are operated, the write word line WW is driven.

On the other hand, during a read operation, the switching circuits SW1and SW2 are turned on and the only the word line driver WD[1] isoperated; however, the word line driver WD[0] and the current sinker WSare not operated. As a result, the read word line RW is driven by theword line driver WD[1].

According to the magnetic memory device of the thirteenth embodiment,the same effect as in the twelfth embodiment can be obtained.Furthermore, according to this embodiment, during a write operation, thewrite word line WW is driven by the two word-line drivers WD[0] andWD[1]. During a read operation, the read word line RW is driven only bythe word line driver Wd[1]. Therefore, power consumption can be reducedcompared to the case where the write word line WW and the read word lineRW are driven by the word line driver having a high current drivingability sufficient to supply the write current.

According to the thirteen embodiment, the current flowing through thewrite word line WW during a read operation is smaller than that during awrite operation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the currentflowing through the write word line WW during a read time frommistakenly writing in the memory cell MC (MTJ device).

In FIG. 17, the word line drivers WD[0] and WD[1] are connected to oneend of the write word line WW and the current sinker WS is connected tothe other end. However, the write word line drivers WD[0] and WD[1] andthe current sinker WS may be transposed. This configuration can also thesame effect.

FOURTEENTH EMBODIMENT

The circuit arrangement of the fourteenth embodiment is substantiallythe same as in the thirteenth embodiment except that the switchingcircuit SW1 acts as the word line driver RWD as is in the fifthembodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic circuit arrangement of the magnetic memory deviceaccording to the fourteenth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 18, a transistor TP is used in the switching circuitSW1 in the same as in the thirteen embodiment. The switching circuit SW1acts as the read word line driver RWD. Further in the same manner as inthe fifth embodiment, the switching circuit SW1 (read word line driverRWD) has a clamp circuit.

During a write operation, a high-level signal /RENBL is supplied, whichturns off a transistor TP and turns on the transistor TN. In this state,when word line drivers WD[0] and WD[1] are driven, the write word lineWW is driven.

On the other hand, when a low-level signal /RENBL is supplied, whichturns on the transistor TP and turns off the transistor TN. In thisstate, the word line driver WD[1] is operated; however, the word linedriver WD[0] and the current sinker WS are not operated. As a result,the read word line RW is driven.

According to the magnetic memory device according to the fourteenthembodiment, the same effect as in the fifth and thirteenth embodimentscan be obtained.

FIFTEENTH EMBODIMENT

The circuit arrangement of the fifteenth embodiment is substantially thesame as in the fourteenth embodiment except that the switching circuitSW2 acts as the read word line driver RWD as is in the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a schematic circuit arrangement according to the fifteenthembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 19, the switching circuit SW2 is constituted by thetransistor TP in the same manner as in the sixth embodiment and acts asthe read word line driver RWD. Furthermore, the switching circuit SW2(read word line driver RWD) has the clamp circuit CP as is in the sixthembodiment.

According to the magnetic memory device according to the fifteenthembodiment, the same effect as in the sixth and fourteenth embodimentscan be obtained.

In FIG. 19, the word line drivers WD[0] and WD[1] are connected to oneend of the write word line WW and the current sinker WS is connected tothe other end. The write word line WW and the current sinker WS may betransposed. This configuration can bring the same effect.

SIXTEENTH EMBODIMENT

In the sixteenth embodiment, the connecting positions of the word linedrivers WD[0] and WD[1] and the current sinker WS are transposed as isopposite to the fourteenth embodiment and the same as in the seventhembodiment.

FIG. 20 is a schematic circuit diagram of the magnetic memory deviceaccording to the sixteenth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, a currentsinker WS is connected to one end of the write word line and the wordline drivers WD[0] and WD[1] are connected to the other end. Theoperation is the same as in the fifteenth embodiment.

According to the magnetic memory device of the sixteenth embodiment, thesame effect as the seventh and fourteenth embodiments can be obtained.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shownand described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventiveconcept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1-23. (canceled)
 24. A magnetic memory device comprising: first to n-thMTJ devices recording data; first to n-th transistors connected to thefirst to n-th MTJ devices, respectively; a write word line whichgenerates a magnetic field to be applied to the first to n-th MTJdevices during a write operation; a read word line which is connected toa gate of each of the first to n-th transistors and which applies avoltage for turning on the first to n-th transistors during a readoperation; a first word line driver which is connected to a first or asecond end of the write word line and which drives the write word line;a first switching circuit which selectively connects the first end ofthe write word line and the first end of the read word line; and asecond switching circuit which selectively connects the second end ofthe write word line and the second end of the read word line.
 25. Thedevice according to claim 24, further comprising a fourth word linedriver which drives the write word line and which is connected inparallel to the first word line driver.
 26. The device according toclaim 25, wherein the first word line driver has a current drivingability larger than the fourth word line driver.
 27. The deviceaccording to claim 24, further comprising a current sinker which isconnected to one of the first end and the second end of the write wordline, to which the first word line driver is not connected, and whichacts for drawing out the current flowing through the write word line.28. The device according to claim 24, wherein the write word lineintersects successively with the first to n-th MTJ devices from thefirst end to the second end; and the read word line intersectssuccessively with the gates of the first to n-th transistors from thefirst end to the second end.
 29. The device according to claim 24,wherein the first to n-th MTJ devices form a memory cell row, which isarranged in a single memory cell array.
 30. The device according toclaim 24, wherein the first to n-th MTJ devices form a memory cell rowand the memory cell row is arranged repeatedly a plurality of times toform a plurality of memory cell arrays.